Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Thomas Samuel Donlan was born in South Australia during August, 1897. He lived in Magill along with his Methodist mother and attended 79 Cadets for 4 years which was a program to serve in the military. When he grew older he worked as a Labourer and was single at the time.

Thomas enlisted his name for World War 1 at the age of 18 and 7 months on the 7th of February 1916. He was accepted into the 10th battalion, given the service number of 5689. Like all of the soldiers in the 3rd Brigade, he embarked on a ship called the HMAT Barambah A37 from Melbourne to a short stop in Western Albany Australia, which then sailed all the way to Gallipoli.

After the quick withdrawal from Gallipoli, the 3rd brigade was sent to Egypt for compulsory training. In Egypt, him and his battalion marched on the hot sand and learned how to load and shoot a Ross Rifle during daily trainings. The trainings were not highly effective but taught basic skills and some discipline that would be needed to go to war. Having some knowledge of warfare through The 79 Senior Cadet’s military program, he was able to adapt quickly to war concepts. After a few months, Thomas was ranked as a private soldier and was then sent to France on the 18th of February 1916 for his first major battle.

During the first decade of the 19th century there were a lot of rivalries in Europe; the countries involved were Germany, Austria, Italy, Russia, France and Great Britain. When Australia came its own commonwealth, the country was forced to fight in alliance with Britain, this is because Australia needed Britain’s protection for Australia was vulnerable.

Throughout Thomas’ time fighting in the French trenches; Thomas was away without leave from 2pm to 5pm which awarded him 3 days, he also went to hospital sick on March 1918 and was wounded on the 12th of October 1918. The battle against Germans in France went from 1916 till the end of 1917 before the evacuation in December where the ANZAC Troops were unable to defend the front line.

After France, Thomas along with his Battalion sailed to Belgium for training and to take part in the major British offence. It was then in March and April of early 1918 that the battalion helped deflect the German spring offensive which later lead up to the great allied offensive in August that then finished victoriously.

Thomas survived the war and was awarded the total of 3 medals. Theses medals were the 1914-15 Star, The British War Medal and the Victory Medal. The 1914-15 Star was awarded to those who participated in the battles in France and Belgium and was authorised by King George V in April 1917. These were the earliest weeks of the war when it first started. The British War Medal was issued out to soldiers of Britain and Imperial Forces who entered a theatre of war or service. The Victory Medal was given to all soldiers, whether it being allies of Britain or not, the medal symbolises success and it is also known as “The Wilfred”.

Thomas strongly expressed the Anzac spirit at war, especially when he was awarded medals. The Anzac spirit is about commitment to your country, putting other’s needs before yours, fighting with bravery and righteousness in which is then uniting the whole army in strength. Thomas Donlan conveyed courage and loyalty to Britain by joining the army early when he was called for action. He showed bravery at his time at war and was then later buried in Centennial Park Cemetery at the age of 72, 1969.

Bibliography:

-        Aif.adfa.edu.au. (2016). Search. [online] Available at: https://www.aif.adfa.edu.au/search [Accessed 22 Mar. 2016], Organisation. Canberra, Australia. Group of 8 Australia.

-        Rslvirtualwarmemorial.org.au. (2016). 10th Infantry Battalion. [online] Available at: https://rslvirtualwarmemorial.org.au/explore/units/1 [Accessed 22 Mar. 2016], Organisation. League of Australia, MindVision Interactive.

Photos:

-       Calgaryhighlanders.com. (2016). The Calgary Highlanders. [online] Available at: http://www.calgaryhighlanders.com [Accessed 5 Apr. 2016].